Is That a Chihuahua in Your Lap?

Twice in the same week I have been driving in a major metro area during rush hour and followed people who had small dogs in their laps. Which got me wondering whether that is more or less distracting than using a mobile device while behind the wheel. So I did a little research.

The most common “distracted driving” activities are:

Texting

Eating and drinking

Grooming

Using GPS

Adjusting sound system

Using a mobile phone

Talking to passengers

Reading

Watching video

(no mention was made of lap dogs)

Here are some disturbing statistics:

In 2010, 3,092 people were killed – and 416,000 injured – in distracted driving crashes.

Texting while driving increases crash risk 23 times.

Texting takes your eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. That’s like driving 100 yards at 55 mph – blind.

Using a phone while driving reduces your necessary brain activity by 37%

25% of US drivers regularly use a phone while driving. That increases to 75% in the 18 to 29 age group.

9% of drivers regularly text while driving. 52% of drivers 18 to 29 text while driving

Many states are enacting hands-free laws, but that hasn’t been shown to reduce risks compared to hand-held use of mobile devices. So what is the answer? My recommendation: leave the chihuahua at home.

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My personal favorite ultra distracted moment? (Not driving as I pay no attention anymore as a cyclist/pedestrian) Guy riding bicycle on Rosa Parks with kid in the bike trailer, while talking on his cell phone AND smoking a cigarette. ugh.